Guys,
I should have mentioned that about 12 years ago, I was on the AA flight from Birmingham to Chicago, and the inbound flight hit a Canada goose on one of the engine cowls, and sucked the bird into the engine.
AA sent for a special machine (located in Manchester) and ran the machine through the engine, apparantly to see if any component was damaged.
On takeoff, we spent more time than I remember on the runway (normally a transatlantic flight is off the ground in 35 - 40 seconds) and this seemed to be forever.
Anyway, we got off OK, gained altitude slowly, and as the crew was at their time limit, AA flew is to JFK, where we changed for a domestic Chicago flight.
I am thankful that all went OK but can't imagine what a great job Sullenberger did !!
Best
Dom